The Bather 

Jean-Antoine Houdon, made this terracotta sculpture, "The Bather", sometime in the 18th century. Terracotta, meaning "baked earth" in Italian, is a humble material, but here it is elevated to high art. Houdon was known for his lifelike sculptures, and the terracotta allows for incredible detail, capturing the soft curves of the bather's body. The process begins with a clay model, carefully sculpted and refined. Then, a mold is created, and liquid clay, or slip, is poured in. Once dried, the mold is removed, revealing a detailed copy of the original. The sculpture is then fired in a kiln, hardening the clay and giving it its characteristic reddish-brown hue. The sculpture reflects a tension between the high art of sculpture and the craft of ceramics, raising questions about labor, skill, and artistic value. Houdon’s "Bather" challenges traditional art hierarchies and invites us to appreciate the artistry inherent in both material and making.